Music

‘Africans Unite’ concert cancelled as Burna Boy pulls out

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Nigerian Afro-fusion singer Burna Boy has reportedly withdrawn from the controversial Africans Unite concert initially billed to take place in South Africa this coming weekend (Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November).

Reports in several South African online news platforms revealed that the organisers of the show have subsequently cancelled the concert following Burna Boy’s withdrawal over controversies sparked by his inclusion.

WuzupNigeria reports that since the Nigerian singer was announced as one of the artistes to headline the anti-xenophobic concert some South African artistes have kicked against his invitation.

Popular South African rapper, AKA worldwide, also took to his Twitter page to demand an apology from Burna Boy before his visit to the country. His tweet prompted what could be described as an anti-Burna Boy campaign as the call for apology was reechoed by many South Africans on Twitter.

Just last Saturday, WuzupNigeria reported that Burna Boy insisted he would be visiting the country and anyone who is aginst his visit would have to kill him to stop him.

READ ALSO: Anyone against my coming will have to kill me to stop me, Burna Boy tells South Africans

A joint statement released by the organizers of the concert, Phambili Media and Play Network Africa, cited growing threats of violence from “unfortunate segments of the public” as the reason for calling off the concert.

According to the statement, the decision to cancel the Africans Unite Concert comes after the call from a group of South African entertainers under the aegis of Tshwane Entertainment Collective to boycott the concert. 

“With the increasing threats of violence from other unfortunate segments of the public and without any government intervention, Phambili Media and Play Network Africa were prompted to take the threats and warnings seriously, as the safety of all artists and attendees could not be guaranteed. We then decided to cancel the concert. The safety of all attendees, artists and crew comes first”, the statement said.

It further said,

“We do, however, stand behind our decision for the initial inclusion of Burna Boy in the Africans Unite Concert line-up. As one of artists at the centre stage of the xenophobic attacks uproar, we saw fit to engage him to be a part of the Africans Unite campaign that aims to ultimately change the current negative narrative to that of solidarity and unity. It seems we have failed in this regard.”.

Phambili Media also said that as organisers of the Africans Unite Concert, they will continue to advocate for unity and peace. Moreover, they condemn any form of discrimination, violence or aggressive behaviour towards any person due to their gender or nationality.

The statement added that anyone who bought tickets and has not yet collected their tickets can contact the call centre for a full refund to the card used for payment. 

 

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